thekickingmule

Could you exmplain what it is that you do as a 'Big Brother'? Do they stay with you, or do you just visit them? I'm not sure Britain has anything like this, so I don't know much about it at all.

Ahh I see. That's a great idea, and I imagine it's great for the child as well as yourself. Kudos to you, sir!

That's a fantastic story, thanks for sharing it! It really shows what difference a Big Brother can make to others lives.

I think you should visit him, maybe thank him for being there during your more troubled years, and see if you can build him a canoe or something ;) Let us know how you get on!

I haven't really been following the strikes that much, so forgive me for my ignorance on the matter.

From what I can tell, they're asking you to work in shifts to cover the weekend, or are they asking you to work 7 day weeks? If it's the latter, I'm with you, if it's the former, why do you think doctors can't work shifts covering 7 days? Pretty much every other industry does, and they'll never earn close to what you're being paid.

You say it's unsafe for patients, but I'm not sure why. My dad has started suffering Alzheimers at an alarming rate. He lives in Bury, where they've been trialling a 7 day NHS service, and it's been a genuine godsend. My mum can't see a bad side to it, so what's your take?

I get on well with kids as it turns out, I'm in a choir with kids ranging 7 to 18, and get on with them all. Just wondered if there was anything extra they'd give to start you off. Thanks for all the advice, it's been fascinating!